Maricopa Elementary wins McTeacher’s Night Challenge plus additional $1,000

Principals, assistant principals and parents stood in a semi-circle as McDonald’s owner Michelle Slayton called off the names of the schools and the amount of money they raised as part of the McTeacher’s Night Challenge.

The McTeacher’s Challenge is a fundraiser, featuring schools’ staff members working the counter at McDonald’s for a night. In return each school receives 20 percent of inside sales. An additional $1,000 is awarded to the school raising the most money.

“Santa Rosa, $462; Santa Cruz, $471; Butterfield, $552 and Pima Butte, $572,” Slayton said.

As these names were called, principals came forward and collected their checks.

With only two schools remaining, the tension grew.

“Saddleback, $647.” Slayton said.

At the announcement of the second place school, Maricopa Elementary Principal Bonnie Gibson, knowing her school was the grand prize winner, happily began hugging all those near her. Two PTO members from Maricopa Elementary also let out screams of excitement.

Maricopa Elementary with the help of its parents raised $707 through the challenge.

Parents helped Maricopa Elementary win the challenge by constructing a giant letter ‘M.’ “We built a frame, covered it with red and white balloons and put it in the parking lot,” said Gehrig Stone, president of the Maricopa PTO. When it was constructed, the giant ‘M’ stood almost six feet tall and was four feet wide.

However, Maricopa Elementary wasn’t the only school doing unique things to attempt to win the challenge. Other schools brought out cowbells and encouraged people to come inside and eat.

“The three top earners in the McTeacher’s Challenge set records for hourly sales on consecutive days,” Slayton said.

“The restaurant was crazy during the days these schools were here,” Slaton added.

In addition to the money the schools earned from the sales of food, they were also accepting donations. Maricopa Elementary collected an additional $300 in donations, bringing their grand total to slightly more than $2,000.

The school plans on using the money to help purchase a piece of software that encourages reading.

Photo by Michael K. Rich